New Telerobotic System Research Initiative in Southern Saskatchewan Shaping the Future of Health Care for Expectant Families
SASKATCHEWAN — A new research initiative and telerobotics system is enhancing our provincial
health system’s ability to determine the feasibility of improved rural and remote access to diagnostic
care for pediatric and maternal patients through virtual ultrasound scanning.
In November 2022, St. Joseph’s Hospital in Gravelbourg, SK received the MELODY Telerobotic
Ultrasound System as part of an exciting new research initiative. To date, over 300 ultrasound scans
have been successfully performed using the MELODY system as part of this research project, with
approximately 80% of these studies being obstetrical ultrasounds.
“I’m pleased to see innovative and cutting-edge technology now being introduced in rural
communities like Gravelbourg to benefit the healthcare received by mothers and babies
locally,” said Rural and Remote Health Minister Everett Hindley. “As we have seen in northern
communities like La Loche, Stony Rapids and Pelican Narrows, this important research advances
patient care, and also uses our health system resources effectively while integrating with local
services.”
The Virtual Care and Robotics Program research lab at the University of Saskatchewan, under the
leadership of Dr. Ivar Mendez, is the first and only initiative in Canada to offer research-based use of
the MELODY Telerobotic Ultrasound System in North America and is the largest telerobotic ultrasound
program in the world.
“We are excited to deploy a telerobotic ultrasound system in Southern Saskatchewan,” said Dr. Ivar
Mendez, Professor of Surgery and Director of the Virtual Care and Remote Presence Robotics
Program. “This research project will study the benefits for patients in the region of a state-of-the-art
virtual care robotic technology installed at St Joseph’s Hospital in Gravelbourg. We are proud that
Saskatchewan is leading the way in the use of advanced diagnostic ultrasound virtual care
technologies in Canada and globally.”
This research is aimed to improve access and patient experience in rural and remote communities.
In addition to Gravelbourg, the telerobotic ultrasound research initiative has successfully deployed
this technology in three northern Indigenous communities, including Stony Rapids, La Loche and
Pelican Narrows. The MELODY telerobotic ultrasound system allows a sonographer based at a central
location to manipulate a probe and remotely perform an ultrasound to distant sites, without the
patient having to travel long distances to receive the care they need.
“The Saskatchewan Health Authority is committed to healthy mothers, healthy babies and healthy
families,” said Derek Miller, Chief Operating Officer, Saskatchewan Health Authority. “Research that
supports access to remote ultrasounds will not only provide care closer to home, but support access
to early prenatal care that maternal care providers will utilize to help families achieve the best
outcomes for mother and for baby.”
The MELODY Telerobotic Ultrasound System utilized in the Virtual Care and Robotics Program
research lab was made possible through generous contributions from Jim Pattison Children’s
Hospital Foundation, Virtual Care and Robotics Program, and a gift in kind from AdEchoTech.
“The telerobotic ultrasound research initiative lead by Dr. Mendez and his team is making innovative
strives for health care delivery to families in our province,” said Brynn Boback-Lane, CEO & President,
Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation. “Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation is proud to
partner with the Saskatchewan Health Authority, the Virtual Care and Robotics Program, and St.
Joseph’s Hospital, as we work together to enhance prenatal and pediatric patient care throughout
Saskatchewan.”
The MELODY Telerobotic Ultrasound System is state of the art technology that is shaping the future of
virtual care technologies for patients across Saskatchewan.
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